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How to change a dimmer switch back to a regular light switch?

How do I change a 3 way light switch to a 2 way switch ?

  • i have a 3 way wall light switch that is connected also to two outlets (tv & Computer). I want to ONLY use the light switch for the light. 5 wires...2 black, 2 white and 1` red. Can you tell me which ones i ELIMINATE in the actual switch unit? I know it can be done because this is how it has been wired for the last 19 years but I foolishly didn't pay attention when I was trying to change the switch to motion sensor unit.

  • Answer:

    Since it is a 3-way switch there is another switch controlling the outlets and light as well. The 3 wire (cable that has the red wire) goes between the 2 switches. The 2 wire in one switch box goes to the outlets/light, the other 2 wire in the other switch box is the power feed. First check the outlets. Most of the time only one outlet (out of 2 on a duplex recptacle) is switched. There is a tab between the two brass screws (hot terminals). If the tab is broken, each receptacle is separately fed (ie 1 switched and one always on). Replace the receptacle with a new one with the tab intact, hook up the constant feed, and cap the switched feed.

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Since it is a 3-way switch there is another switch controlling the outlets and light as well. The 3 wire (cable that has the red wire) goes between the 2 switches. The 2 wire in one switch box goes to the outlets/light, the other 2 wire in the other switch box is the power feed. First check the outlets. Most of the time only one outlet (out of 2 on a duplex recptacle) is switched. There is a tab between the two brass screws (hot terminals). If the tab is broken, each receptacle is separately fed (ie 1 switched and one always on). Replace the receptacle with a new one with the tab intact, hook up the constant feed, and cap the switched feed.

Tom

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